Jammu Kashmir Traffic Police Issues Fresh Advisory Amid Road Restoration Efforts

SRINAGAR: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has been partially restored for traffic following clearance of debris caused by landslides due to incessant rains over the past two days. The Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir, issued an advisory on Monday morning urging drivers to travel with caution due to the ongoing threat of road sinking and slippery conditions.

Traffic movement on NH-44 was halted from August 30, 1600 hrs to 31 August, 1600 hrs due to a damaged bridge between Thandikhui and Bali Nallah in Udhampur and another bridge between Lakhnapur and Madophur on the Jammu-Pathankot highway.

While light motor vehicles (LMVs) and heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) are now being allowed on the highway, priority is given to stranded vehicles. Travellers from Udhampur to Banihal have been requested to keep a recent photograph and valid ID proof, and are advised to check official traffic handles for real-time updates.

NH-244 (Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag Road) is open for one-way LMV traffic after clearance from NHIDCL. Vehicles shall be allowed alternately — from Kishtwar to Anantnag in the morning, and Anantnag to Kishtwar in the afternoon.

SSG Road (Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumari) has been opened for LMVs followed by HMVs, subject to weather and BRO clearance. LMVs will move from Sonamarg to Kargil at 1130 hrs to 1730 hrs, and Kargil to Sonamarg between 0500 hrs and 1030 hrs.

Mughal Road has also been cleared for LMVs, private cars, and essential commodity vehicles, especially from Shopian to Poonch and vice versa. Vehicles will be allowed from Behramgalla (Buffliaz) between 0600 to 1600 hrs, and from Herpora (Shopian) between 0800 to 1600 hrs, subject to permission from local authorities.

Cut-Off Timings for LMVs/Private Vehicles on Mughal Road

From Jammu side:

Akhnoor: 1230 hrs

Bhambla: 1330 hrs

Rajouri: 1530 hrs

Manjakote: 1600 hrs

Surankote: 1700 hrs

Behramgala: 1730 hrs

From Srinagar side:

TRC Srinagar: 1430 hrs

Nowgam Peaks: 1500 hrs

Pantha Chowk: 1500 hrs

Chandanwari Pampore: 1600 hrs

Galander via Kakapora: 1600 hrs

Marvel Crossing: 1600 hrs

Kandizal (Peaks NH-44): 1600 hrs

Khudwani: 1600 hrs

Chawalgam Kulgam: 1615 hrs

Keegam NH-44: 1630 hrs

Herpora: 1700 hrs

Travellers are strongly advised to confirm road status from traffic control units before starting their journey. Essential helplines include:

Jammu: 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732, 103

Srinagar: 0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091, 103

Ramban: 9419993745, 1800-180-7043

Udhampur: 8491928625

PCR Kishtwar: 9906154100

PCR Kargil: 9541902330, 9541902331

The Traffic Department reiterated that no vehicle shall be allowed without confirmation, and travel will be closely monitored to prevent mishaps on landslide-prone stretches.